The arrival of Russian investors not all smooth sailing for Sauber

A month ago, the Sauber team announced the signing of an agreement that could see the arrival of Russian investors within the Swiss team. But according to the German press, this project has recently run into trouble.

Indeed, according to Bild, Oleg Sirotkin might ultimately not commit due to a lack of guarantee regarding the appointment of his son Sergey to the Swiss team in 2014. Furthermore, the board of directors of the National Aviation Technologies Institute (NIAT) – led by Oleg Sirotkin – reportedly voted against the 400 million euro investment in the Hinwil team.

According to the German daily, the debts of the Sauber team would now reach 80 million euros, distributed among many suppliers, including some well-known names. The Swiss team allegedly has not paid Ferrari for the use of its engines, and according to *Die Welt*, Ferrari has threatened Sauber to stop supplying engine blocks if no payment is made quickly. Pirelli is also awaiting a financial payment from Sauber in relation to the supply of tires.

The drivers would not be left out either, besides Nico Hülkenberg, Esteban Gutierrez would also be waiting for his salary payments for the season. According to *Bild*, Kamui Kobayashi – Sauber driver from 2010 to 2012 – is also awaiting a payment of 2.5 million euros from his former team.

Following the publication of this information, the Sauber team felt it necessary to respond in a statement reaffirming that the agreement with the Russian investors is still valid: « Our announced cooperation with Russian partners still rests on a solid foundation. The contract with driver Sergey Sirotkin is active, and he will begin preparations next week – after the mandatory Formula 1 break. Additionally, contractual payments to the team have already been made, as outlined in the contract. A financial contribution from NIAT was never planned. The plan foresees a purely technical cooperation with NIAT. »